Berlin, Aug 17, (dpa/GNA) – Hundreds of Afghans who worked supporting the German authorities until their country fell to the Taliban, are still hoping to come to Germany, around a year after the militants seized power.
Germany’s Bundeswehr, left Afghanistan in June 2021, and the Taliban took over the country shortly afterwards, triggering fears of reprisals among many who had supported NATO forces and other institutions under the Western-backed government.
Germany took part in international military evacuations of those, who had supported its armed forces and other institutions, although many more people had hoped to leave the country than capacity allowed.
In total, more than 700 former personnel and their relatives, are estimated to be in Afghanistan, although they have the right to enter Germany, according to data supplied by the Foreign Ministry, the Development Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Bundeswehr.
Around 350 of the Afghans hoping to flee, worked for the military, but are still stuck in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.
Of those, Germany is not in touch with 180 of the Afghans, according to a spokesperson. Some 30 former personnel, along with 140 dependents, are currently on their way to Germany. A further 120 former personnel and 580 dependents, remain in Afghanistan.
Twenty former local workers have settled in other countries.
The process of admitting Afghan former staff and their families is ongoing, with around 400 applications pending for German protection.
GNA